Network Function Virtualization – Challenges and Opportunities

Newer technologies are emerging quicker than anticipated and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is one among those emerging technologies that is finding relevance in the current scenario. NFV decouples network functions that are currently being carried out by proprietary hardware devices so that they can run in a software. In short, NFV promises to dynamically and automatically scale network services at run time and thus save on time, cost and increase operational efficiencies.

As per a report by Infotenics Research, the NFV market will increase five-fold to $11.6 billion by 2019 and a survey by Heavy Reading found that 60% of telecom professionals were actively exploring this technology.

Opportunities and benefits of NFV

‘’Enticing and credible benefits are pushing for implementation of NFV’’

While there are a good number of challenges to counter, let’s observe some of the valuable benefits that are pressing the need for NFV implementation:

Reduction in expenditure: NFV implementation reduces capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) by consolidation of network appliances, use of low priced hardware, sharing of computing resources between functions and reduction of energy consumption among a host of other things. Service Providers are bound to save a lot on costs and time through a more efficient network process, courtesy NFV.

Reduce time to Market: NFV reduces time-to-market of new services by changing the innovation cycle of operators through software based deployment and through swift introduction of tailored services based on customer needs. Reduction in time-to-market also comes with gains on operational efficiency for both customers and providers.

Efficient automation: NFV in conjunction with cloud technologies can adopt tools to automate operations and management. Service providers by implementing NFV stand to gain as they meet the needs of communications market through automated scaling of resources, faster service introduction, and optimum utilization of allocated resources.

In addition to the above, NFV also creates an environment which enables new business models and increased innovation. It also encourages new vendors to enter communications market making it a more open and competing ecosystem.

Implementation of NFV

‘’Criteria should be in place before implementation’’

It is true that NFV is bound to provide certain advantages and will soon find many takers. There are few things to take note of before virtualizing the networks to ensure both a successful and a viable deployment.

Performance – Before implementing it is good to ask whether the virtualizing networks will indeed affect key performances metrics such as – throughput and latency.

Reliability – As service providers shift towards virtualization, any change or shift in process should ensure reliability as they need to provide required services without compromise. To meet the reliability standards of built-for-purpose network equipment NFV needs to come with resilient software.

Manageability – NFV should instantiate virtual network functions in the right locations and at the right time. Flexibility in NFV implementation should help manage both legacy and virtual appliances.

Security – Implementing NFV should ensure security of the existing network. NFV is bound to bring its own security issues; introduction of new elements might add to existing vulnerabilities. All of these issues need to be considered while designing, building, and implementing NFV systems.

I am Blob. Happy Blob. Sometimes my friends also call me the Blabbing Blob, though I have nothing to do with the 2009 game of the same name! Just that I love technology and I am a blob of imagination of my friends at Happiest Minds, who created me. Let us all agree that I was born to blog and blab on technology. :-) (Blog. Blab. Blob. Now say it 5 times!) And since you are reading this, I presume, you love technology too. So, friends? Every week, I am going to write stuff about things I follow (very) closely, all that jazz, Cloud Computing, Big Data, IoT, Cyber Security etc. Just for you. And you can join me in the conversations here. blogs@happiestminds.com

Happy Blob
I am Blob. Happy Blob. Sometimes my friends also call me the Blabbing Blob, though I have nothing to do with the 2009 game of the same name! Just that I love technology and I am a blob of imagination of my friends at Happiest Minds, who created me. Let us all agree that I was born to blog and blab on technology. :-) (Blog. Blab. Blob. Now say it 5 times!) And since you are reading this, I presume, you love technology too. So, friends? Every week, I am going to write stuff about things I follow (very) closely, all that jazz, Cloud Computing, Big Data, IoT, Cyber Security etc. Just for you. And you can join me in the conversations here. blogs@happiestminds.com